So, naturally, when Beilein first saw him play, the interest was high.

"We heard about Nik when he attended the NBA Camp (as a) rising junior," said Beilein, who made his first public comments about Stauskas Tuesday. "The more we got to know Nik, the more we realized 'what a perfect fit for Michigan.'"

At St. Mark's School in Southborough, Mass., last season, Stauskas showed more than just the ability to knock down the open 3-pointer. He averaged 20 points, six rebounds and five assists on a squad that went 26-2.

Michigan coach John Beilein, above, on 2012 recruit Nik Stauskas: "Guys sometimes are shooters, sometimes guys are scorers and sometimes guys are passers. There's been times when (Stauskas has) shown the ability to do all three at a very high level."

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

Basically just a pure shooter when Beilein and company began the recruitment process, Stauskas' game seems to have grown into a more multi-faceted attack.

Thanks in large part, Beilein says, to his gym-rat tendencies.

"You don't need to tell any of (Michigan's 2012 signees), 'Hey, you need to work out today,'" Beilein said. "They'll beat anybody to a workout.

"Nik's one of those guys."

Like fellow signees Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III, Stauskas has the ability to play multiple spots on the floor. He could be a natural fit at either the two-guard or small forward position, and Beilein said he wouldn't rule out the possibility of trying him at the point guard spot next season.

"He showed some skill that he can really handle the ball very well," Beilein said. "I don't think he's ever played the point, but that's something we'll certainly entertain for him."

Beilein likened Stauskas' role to that of current Michigan senior Stu Douglass. Douglass never played point guard before arriving at Michigan, but had the necessary skills to see minutes running the offense when necessary.

Time will tell where exactly Stauskas fits on the floor next season. But wherever it is, Beilein expects it to be a perfect match.

"Guys sometimes are shooters, sometimes guys are scorers and sometimes guys are passers," he said. "There's been times when (Stauskas has) shown the ability to do all three at a very high level."